Hawaii Sales & Use Tax Exemptions

What is Exempt From Sales Tax In Hawaii?

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In lieu of a sales tax, the state of Hawaii collects a 4% general excise tax, which is assessed on the retail sale, lease or rental of most goods. Oahu charges an additional 0.5% surtax.

Use tax is chraged on the purchase price or value of tangible personal property purchased or imported, whichever is applicable. Depending on the use the rates are different. The rate is 0.5%, if the item is for resale at retail. The rate is 4%, if the item is for use or consumption. Use tax is applied on the same basis as general excise tax is within the state of Hawaii. If you are required to file a return on a monthly basis, returns are to be filed on or before the last day of the month following the month in which the purchases were made. For example, purchases made in the month of January should be filed with the state of Hawaii on or before the last day of February.

Need more information?

For more information on Hawaii sales tax exemptions please visit the sites below.

Hawaii Sales Tax Exemptions Information

Don't try to reinvent the wheel. There are a number of excellent sales tax rate software solutions in the marketplace and we are partners with ALL of them. Ask us for our input on which would be the best choice for your business and we'll gladly guide you and provide an introduction to one (or several options) available in the marketplace.

Sales Tax Compliance FAQs

Sales tax compliance can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be!

Do I have to charge sales tax?

How do we know if we have sales tax nexus in a state?

How do I know what sales tax rate to charge?

Are my products or services subject to sales tax?

Which sales tax software is best for my business?

How do I register for sales tax with a state?

Should we register or file a voluntary disclosure agreement ("VDA")?

How do states determine your filing frequency?

Will Agile handle any notices and communications received from the state(s)?

How do I determine my taxable sales?

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